The Mystery of Forrest's Cave

by Blair Howard

Unearthed bones. A decades-old secret. A detective with everything to prove.

When skeletal remains are discovered deep inside Forrest’s Cave, the quiet mountain town of Lookout is thrown into chaos. What begins as a routine construction site turns deadly, drawing Lt. Kate Gazzara’s team into a chilling cold case buried in stone and silence for over fifty years.

Kate assigns her most unconventional investigator, Jack North—a brilliant but impulsive detective with a family legacy tied to the cave’s dark past. Partnered with forensic geologist Dr. Amelia Croft, Jack must sift through lies, lost records, and a growing list of missing persons stretching back to the 1970s.

As secrets resurface and pressure mounts, Jack finds himself unraveling more than just a murder—he’s digging into a conspiracy that could shake the town to its core.

A gripping blend of forensic intrigue, small-town secrets, and relentless suspense, The Mystery of Forrest’s Cave is Book 21 of the bestselling Lt. Kate Gazzara series. Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly, Karin Slaughter, and Lisa Gardner.

Discover why readers can’t get enough of Kate Gazzara’s Murder Files—start digging today.

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2025

About the author

Blair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.

Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.

Reviews

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Workers, while excavating parts Forrest Cave a cave in Lookout Mountain, find a human hand engulfed in the wall. This remarkable and under the circumstances simple discovery leads to Jack North, Capt. Kate Garazza’s unit’s “bad boy” being brought in to work with Dr. Amelia Croft a PhD cave expert. Going into the story will only lead to spoilers and this is just too good a tale to be ruined. Be prepared for spending some time underground and an ending that will be, I hope, the start of new adventures for this pair. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC for an honest review.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so different from Blair Howards usual style of writing but boy, does it pack a punch.
The remains of a body have been found in Forrest's Cave on Lookout Mountain, Captain Kate Gazarra is advised by her boss to give the case to Detective Jack North due to his family's past history with the caves.
Jack is a great detective but his position with the Chattanooga PD is his last chance saloon, Jack is a bit of a maverick, he tends to go out on a limb, breaking rules if he thinks that it is necessary, a trait frowned upon by his bosses. Kate likes Jack but knows that she needs to keep him on a tight rein, perhaps working in partnership with Dr Amelia Croft, a cave specialist, with keep him grounded.
Jack and Amelia work well together but what starts off as a simple job suddenly explodes in so many directions.
I really couldn't put this book down, it has nail biting suspense and fast action, I could smell the damp and decay in the cave, I could feel Jack's claustrophobia. Kate steers Jack in the right direction as he comes up against powers much stronger than him, Amelia has guts, determination and most of all knowledge, this is a great partnership.
Thank you Blair Howard for a brilliant story, I do hope that we hear more of Jack and Amelia working together.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.

[Steven T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a skeleton is discovered in Forrest’s Cave, Kate is asked to investigate and discover the identity of the person. Kate assigns Detective Jack North to lead the investigation. He’s teamed up with an experienced geologist and expert caver Dr. Amelia Croft. Jack prefers to work alone, but knows that he’s going to need her help and expertise to solve this case. Knowing Jack is a bit of a loose cannon, Kate warns him to identify the remains and not stray from that assignment. However, that’s not Jack’a way, especially when it comes to light that Jack’s grandfather was a detective that was investigating the Lookout Mountain cave system being used to bury bodies related to a deep conspiracy. What follows is a roller coaster of a ride as the investigation reveals corruption and murders going back decades at a level wider and deeper than anyone imagined. Strap in and enjoy the ride full of danger, twists, and turns. I highly recommend this book both for the story itself and the fact that it featured one of Kate’s team with Kate taking more of a background role. I’m hoping there will be future Kate Gazzara books that feature other members of her investigative team.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mystery of Forrest's Cave: A Lt. Kate Gazzara Novel Book 21, my sixty-seventh read from author Blair Howard. 226-pages of well-written and enjoyable, edge-of-your-seat detective fiction that I read in a single 3 1/2 sitting, thoroughly entertaining, as always! I always look forward to the next work from Howard, a Blair Howard book is like a visit from an old detective friend. As Howard expands his writings over 4 primary characters it has improved all four. I always look forward to the next work from Howard. A Blair Howard book is like a visit from an old detective friend. Nominally a Kate Gazzara book, the feature detective in this one is Detective Jack North with Kate making sporaduc appearances. Perhaps the best Howard book I've read, so different that I winded at times if he was co-writing with another author. I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Craig Smedley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is different. Captain Kate Gazzara finds herself in more of a management/leadership role attempting to keep undisciplined Detective Jack North on the straight and narrow as he is tasked to investigate human remains discovered in caves in Lookout Mountain. Detective North’s family has a history with the caves and when nominated to assist the local police what Jack finds is a web of intrigue, mystery and dirty dealings stretching back many years. It starts off as a minor mystery to be investigated but turns into a major investigation with links to many different people and positions.
Jack, somewhat of a loner, joins Dr Amelia Croft, a caving expert with many different skills to compliment her caving experience, and although at the outset their characters clash, eventually after many adventures they become compatible. All in all, a great read with well developed characters and mystery and twists and turns around every corner!

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mystery Of Forrest's Cave - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

A Lt. Kate Gazzara Murder File Book 21 by Blair Howard, The Mystery Of Forrest's Cave doesn't sound like your usual law-enforcement novel, but once you delve into its subterranean depths you'll soon change your mind.

Captain Kate appoints her headstrong protégé Jack North to oversee the cold cases that his grandfather never talked about.
As the eponymous cave system yields some of its many secrets, the dangers facing the investigat-ors intensify exponentially.
Will Jack survive to honour his grandparents' sacrifice?

A dynamic and riveting thriller The Mystery Of Forrest's Cave is guaranteed to grip you firmly by the imagination throughout, with its great characters, believable plotline and villains - and a teaser for more stories to come for Jack and Amelia, his scientist cave-diving girlfriend.
Grab a copy today...and don't forget your torch and hard hat!

[Valettagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst I absolutely love the Harry Starke and Kate Gazzara tales this book moves things to the next level as they get older, taking you on a journey back in generations but in such an imaginative and believable way that’s it’s simply unputdownable ! Riveting in so many ways, emotive and with such interesting and occasionally ruthless characters both past and present, it explores the many facets of corruption and how it’s so readily explained away over years . I was already a fan of Jack Norths but he’s quickly ( courtesy of this book) moved up the ranks. The authors skill in getting you to buy into his characters; flaws and all, is an innate skill, couple that with well researched storylines and geography and you end up with an amazingly good read.
I was honoured to receive an ARC . This is my honest review. I cannot rate it highly enough .

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story begins with the discovery of a body in a cave on Lookout Mountain. A request has been made to Kate's chief for assistance. Jack North was recommended by the chief since grandfather had been involved with cases that related to the mountain. Once Jack arrived on the scene, he met Amelia, a geologist, who was to assist. As the investigation began, Jack took in another direction which initially caused issue. Once they got further into it, people began threatening the two.

To discover how the body was important, what Jack's grandfather cases involve, what Jack and Amelia learned and how it all worked out in the end, then you need to read this book. ..

[John Mahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Jack North is a valuable member of Captain Kate Gazzara's team of homicide investigators. Usually his talents with computers and their systems result in most of his efforts being limited to working in the office. The discovery of what appears to be a body during the efforts to improve visitor access to the area known as Forrest's Cave leads to an inquiry to determine whether Kate and her team should pursue a murder investigation. Many years ago, Jack's grandfather, Lieutenant Charlie North, led an extensive investigation involving the caves. Jack gets the call on this one. Blair Howard has provided us with an interesting mystery to consider from a fresh perspective as Jack pursues the truth on this one.

[BJayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you pick up a book by Blair Howard, you are going to get a well-written, well-thought-out mystery with unpredictable twists and turns.

His stories pull you in and don’t let go. With every page turn, there’s always something new happening or another connection to be made. Blair must also do a lot of research because I always learn something new.

This particular book basically has two parts. The first involves mostly Jack North, a detective on Kate’s squad, and then when things really get intense, Kate and the rest of the team get involved until the book reaches its final conclusion. And what a conclusion that is!

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a little different from the rest of the series in that Kate takes a back seat while Detective Jack North is put in charge of the investigation into the dead body found in a cave in Lookout Mountain. Another main character is Dr Amelia Croft, a geologist, who is teamed up with Jack.

You can feel Jack's impatience at being told to just investigate the case of the dead body, especially when it becomes clear there is much more to the case than one death. There is also an undercurrent of attraction between Jack and Amelia, although their main focus is discovering what happened in the caves.

As can be expected, the closer Jack gets to discovering what happened, the level of danger increases dramatically. But not even he is prepared for how far the corruption went.

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had doubts about a book in the Kate series which wasn't going to feature Kate so much. I shouldn't have had those doubts.
Jack turned out be better than I expected as a main character, and I enjoyed Amelia's role too. I would enjoy them having bigger roles in future books.
As usual, there's a lot of different aspects to the story and they come together really well by the end.
The underground scenes were written very descriptively, I even started to feel a little claustrophobic at times.
I feel like the this book had a slightly darker edge to it overall than other books I have read by the author.
I received an ARC copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remains of a corpse are discovered in Forrest’s Cave. Kate Gazzara has assigned Jack North to the case with Dr Amelia Croft as his partner. Jack North finds out that the corpse may have some connection to a case his grandfather was handling about numerous people who went missing near the cave. Will the unconventional Jack North be able to solve a decades old case where his grandfather failed? I enjoyed the suspense and intrigue in this well crafted plot especially Jack's unwavering focus and tenacity to uncover the facts, in spite of attempts on his life. I also like the character portrayal of Dr Amelia Croft.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading and enjoying the Harry Starke and Kate Gazzara books for years and never been disappointed. This book, however is not about Kate, although as Captain she is Jack North's superior and as such, obviously he reports to her and (theoretically) follows orders. But this is his story. His grandfather started an investigation that only Jack could finish. The story is complex, basically an example of how arrogant men and women with money and influence think they can do anything and are immune to the normal rules of life. And Jack's persistence combined with secret record keeping. An excellent story with a message - don't ignore the quiet ones.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is a Kate Gazzara novel, the main character in the story is Jack North, one of her team members. It was an interesting and refreshing change.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It has a good premise, was fast paced and let us have a deeper look into one of the secondary characters in Kate’s world. The interaction between Jack and Dr. Amelia Croft was good and hopefully this will lead to another book with the two of them as MC’s. Another well done story Mr Howard! I look forward to your next one.

[Hope Gerhardstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

A skeleton is discovered while excavating Forrest’s Cave. Detective Jack North is assigned lead on this case by Kate Gazzara. His grandfather worked it many years prior when multiple people went missing and were never found. People with money and power have been able to evade investigation. Jack is able to link this skeletal find and others to the mining company but it goes much higher than that. Good over evil. Some plots seemed a bit far fetched near the end. I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Susan Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the step Blair Howard took when he decided to write his newest book featuring Lt. Kate Gazzara as a secondary character instead of the main one. Jack North has been in the background for a while and now his detective skills really come to life in this action packed novel about greed, corruption, murder and the search for truth and justice. The twists and turns keep you interested and has you rooting for Jack to solve the case his grandfather couldn't. An excellent read!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about Jack North, he is given a case that has a family history to it. His Grandfather worked this case. This was a total surprise. You have a mystery person sending Jack messages and giving him clues. You have a body buried in a cave, this turns out to be a big surprise. I really enjoyed this book and was very surprised at the end. A great read. I would recommend reading this book. I received an arc and the views and opinions are my own.

[Pamela Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story. Det. Jack North from Kate's team takes the lead for what starts out as a simple body being found in a cave. And this leads to so much more happening, involving so many different levels. Non-stop action, edge of your seat and can't put down thriller. Definitely recommend this book along with the whole series.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A body found in a cave leads the local police district to reach out to the larger department nearby. Captain Kate Gazzara is told by her commander to put Jack in charge of the case. Jack's grandfather was a detective and worked missing person cases in that area. The case is larger than anyone expected. Another page turning thriller from Blair Howard.

[John Barberio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusually, here, Kate Gazzara is more a reporter of facts than lead detective. Her team too are not involved except that her young Detective North is the lead and principal investigator. He follows leads from his late grandfather when a body is found in caves. He's joined by Amelia, an expert in spielelogy, to form a formidable team.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written thriller. I enjoy this authors style of writing and once again, I'm not disappointed. As Kate takes a back seat, Jack North comes to the fore and shows his determination and expertise in solving a case that goes much deeper than expected. Highly recommended. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sharon K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Blair Howard book that leaves you wanting more

With favorite protagonists like Harry Strike and Kate Gazzara, it behooves the author to be careful when introducing new characters. This was so well done with Jack North that its easy to look forward to his next adventure, hopefully with Amelia by his side!

[Terri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this newest installment of the Kate series. Getting to know Jack North was fun and enlightening. As always these books are fast paced and it’s never obvious what the end will be. Never disappointed when I pick up the newest Blair Howard book. I’m really happy he is such a prolific writer. I get to enjoy being a part of another mystery.

[Alan Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had the privilege to read this as an Advanced reader, one of the best books in this series to date. On the edge of the seat action and suspense from start to finish. Recommend it very highly buy and enjoy.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to be a part of the ARC group and found this book to be very well written. Jack and Amelia are working together to figure out what is happening in Lookout Mountain. The characters kept me entertained and the book is quite the page turner.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 21 in the Lt. Kate Gazzara series. Kate assigns a case to Jack and Amelia’s so, this is actually their story. They make a great team. The danger and suspense was palpable. I enjoyed the plot’s suspense. A great story.

[Lynn Runyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Belief

WOW! Now this is a reading that I could NOT put down! Extraordinary plot beyond doubt. Even with Jack as the lead in this book, and Kate somewhat on the sidelines, this is absolutely a MUST read!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

It starts when human remains are found in a cave.  The case is assigned to detective North as it appears there may be a connection to his past.   From here we go on a wild ride.   It is hard to say more without giving away too much.  Lots of action,  corruption,  conspiracy make this a great read. 

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding story. Lt Kate has a case to solve that is 50 years old. Will she be able to figure out the truth in time. Whose body is it and how were they killed. Full of suspense and secrets that will keep you reading. Another great.